Save BBC's Introducing in Scotland

I am supporting the efforts to save the radio 1 programme, BBC Introducing in Scotland with Ally McCrae. 


Virtually all up and coming Scottish acts who have gone on to gain fame and fortune, have enjoyed airplays or recorded sessions on shows hosted by Ally McCrae or his predecessor Vic Galloway while still unsigned – from Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand and Mylo to Frightened Rabbit, Twin Atlantic and We Were Promised Jetpacks. 

Please note that at the meeting of Glasgow City Council on 8th December, I am proposing the following motion:- 

“Council notes that as part of its operational restructuring plans – titled ‘Delivering Quality First’ – the BBC has proposed the scrapping of the Introducing in Scotland radio show which has been the only outlet provided by Radio 1 to showcase up-and-coming bands and solo artists from Scotland to a Scottish audience.

Council agrees to submit a response to the consultation by 21st December 2011 to demand that the BBC reverse its plans to scrap the Introducing in Scotland show and, to instead, protect and promote this unique programme.”

Useful link:

Sign the petition - http://www.glasgowpodcart.com/save-bbc-introducing-update/

Stitch up and reuse

On Friday, I met up with people interested in creative reuse and repair projects. We discussed the various groups that are promoting reuse of second hand materials and clothing to reduce the amount of landfill as well as develop craft skills. It is a growing area of activity for many people in Glasgow. At this festive time, it is worth checking out the various craft fairs selling handmade good made from recycled materials. 

Useful link:-

Stitch Up -http://ttglasgow.ning.com/events/stitchup-a-creative-reuse-skill-share

Up to 3 million workers in the public sector out on strike

There is an historic day of strike action on 30th November 2011. I will be joining students and workers in the rallies and marches taking place in Glasgow to support efforts to stop the attack on pensions.

 Demonstrators at Glasgow Cross.

 

Useful link:-

There is a better way - http://www.thereisabetterway.org/

Concerns about flood risk along the River Kelvin

Today, I became aware of the paths along the Kelvin Walkway and within Kelvingrove Park next to the river, being affected by rising water levels. 

 View of River Kelvin on 27th November 2011

I have asked for surveys to be carried out by council staff to check it is safe to use the paths. Any flooded areas will be closed to the public.

Useful links:

Floodline Warning Line - http://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding.aspx

Reclaim The Night 2011

There is a march to Reclaim the Night on Monday 28th November 2011, meeting at 6pm at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens, at the corner of Great Western Road and Queen Margaret Drive.

The route of the march will take in Byres Road and University Avenue arriving at the STUC in Woodlands Road for a rally. 

This is organised by Rape Crisis and it is part of the 16 Days to Elimination Violence Against Women.

I will be joining the march and giving my support to the programme of events for 16 Days which is themed as "'From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World".

Useful Link

16 Days - http://www.16days.org/about-us.aspx

Support for Organ Donation

The Evening Times Campaign aims to persuade the Scottish Government to change the current system of organ donation to an opt out system.

 

This would result in  everyone being a donor but it would still be possible to opt out of the register.

 

Evidence suggests that about 90% of people are likely to support organ donation. However, there are only 30% on the register.

 

Momentum is gathering in support of change in the law. Opt out is backed by the British Medical Association, British Heart Foundation and Kidney Research UK.

I have signed up to their e-petition at:

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/go/optin

Call for a sweat free Olympics

There is a focus on protecting worker rights in the supply chain for sportswear firms taking part in the 2012 Olympic Games. The Playfair 2012 Campaign has been established by a coalition of trade unions and labour rights organisations which are taking the lead on this issue.  They found evidence of workers being employed by Adidas suppliers working for 80-hour weeks stitching footballs. The main sponsor of the Olympic Games 2012 is Adidas.

Companies are being pressurised to ensure they fulfil the principles of Decent Work across the Olympic supply chains, in countries such as China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The principles of Decent Work are "freedom, equality, security, and dignity". It is expected that workers are in receipt of a living wage, paid sick leave, maternity pay and are able to join a trade union.

Useful link:-

Stitched Up report available at: www.waronwant.org/stitchedup